But according to a new survey of cat owners in New Zealand, the transition tends to go more smoothly than expected, even when it isn’t planned at all. “Many people worry that keeping a cat indoors will be stressful for their cat, but the findings suggest that the transition was often easier than expected.” In the study, Dr. Henning and her colleagues surveyed 87 cat owners who had already moved a cat from outdoor access to an indoor-only lifestyle. Nearly 70% said the process was easier than they had anticipated, and about three-quarters said they intended to keep future cats indoors as well. “Keeping cats indoors offers significant benefits for their safety and welfare, but successful transitions depend on supporting owners as much as their cats.”